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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Fuel problem???

Old Jan 12, 2012 | 09:06 PM
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Fuel problem???

86 F150 5.0 aod 2wd

It had been parked for a couple years (was my Grand Pa's) I've got it now and drive occasionally, runs great most of the time but occasionally sputters (like a slightly out of time popping) pretty bad. I'm talkin pat the gas and drop off to 25mph sputter.

It's done this when low on fuel (1/4 tank) and has always straightened up immediately upon re fueling. The last time (a couple days ago) for the first time it did this shortly after fueling (20 miles into a new tank).

It will sputter like hell but if you can ever get it going down hill or pat the gas enough to get the engine winding it clears out and runs fine again.

I'm suspecting debris in the bottom of the tank that is more concentrated when the tank is low (that doesn't explain the last time though).

Can EFI vapor lock?

EGR etc isn't hooked up and it's due for fuel filter, plug wires, cap etc but don't think either of those would be so intermittent.

All suggestions / tips appreciated.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 10:12 PM
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On carbed models, I've had that happen from water in the tank. Dri-gas usually fixed it.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2012 | 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by whisler
On carbed models, I've had that happen from water in the tank. Dri-gas usually fixed it.
Very possible, I'll give it a shot.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 06:29 AM
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EFI doesn't vapor lock. It very well could be the fuel filter also, if it will only run going down hill. You are not using much fuel cruising and going down hill, so the filter can pass enough for it to run, but not pass enough to use the engine hard.

I have a similiar problem on a 86 ranger I am working on. If I use the engine hard it holds back and doesn't have any power. I am pretty sure it's the fuel filter, and it's on the list to change it out.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
EFI doesn't vapor lock. It very well could be the fuel filter also, if it will only run going down hill. You are not using much fuel cruising and going down hill, so the filter can pass enough for it to run, but not pass enough to use the engine hard.

I have a similiar problem on a 86 ranger I am working on. If I use the engine hard it holds back and doesn't have any power. I am pretty sure it's the fuel filter, and it's on the list to change it out.
Doesn't do it all the time, actually most of the time it does not.

Maybe once every 5-6 trips.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 07:28 AM
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Make sure you pull the codes also. It may turn up something in the memory codes if you have not disconnected the battery recently.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2012 | 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
Make sure you pull the codes also. It may turn up something in the memory codes if you have not disconnected the battery recently.

Tried it once before but for some reason I can't connect (my scanner is capable) there is some kind of issue with the truck (can't pull codes).

I'll try again and see though.
 
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